World cup shock as Swiss steal win over Spain

(Reuters): Switzerland pulled off the biggest shock of the 2010 World Cup so far when they beat European champions Spain 1-0 in Group H on Wednesday, their first ever victory over their opponents in 19 games.Gelson Fernandes’ (left) goal after a mix up in the Spanish defence gave the Swiss a shock 52nd minute lead and Spain, for all their talent and guile, were unable to find a way through the massed ranks of white Switzerland shirts. The Swiss share the lead in Group H with Chile, who beat Honduras 1-0 earlier on Wednesday. After a forgettable first half, the Swiss looked like spending another 45 minutes defending for their lives until goalkeeper Diego Benaglio’s long clearance was allowed to bounce and Fernandes pounced when the ball emerged from a clutter of bodies.

 The European champions, many pundits’ favourites to win the tournament, enjoyed a near monopoly of possession for much of the game but were unable to convert the chances they created.

Coach Vicente del Bosque, who had started the match with David Villa as a lone striker, brought Fernando Torres and Jesus Navas on after the goal to try and rescue the game but they were unable to find a way through.

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